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HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!! This week was another short week and (to me at least) has FLOWN by. I’ve been slacking a bit with the blog posts and for that I apologize. There really isn’t an excuse, I’ve just forgotten to update! Not excusable, but, c’est la vie!

So, on this FRIGID Friday – I want to list some of my FAVORITE gearfor cold weather running!! In the winter runners need to take extra care when picking clothes to run in. Layers are a MUST, and you need to be conscious of frostbite on your fingers and toes!

Oiselle Jogging Tights: These things are simply amazing. When the weather outside is frightful, you can bet your ass I’m in these tights (ful)! (har har – bad attempt at humor) My favorite feature with these tights are the compression. Most of the compression tights that I have are pretty decent when it comes to keeping everything in one place, but they aren’t warm… at all. The Jogging Tights by Oiselle keep my body warm – and keep my circulation up. Also, they’re super cute. When I’m looking for warmth and durability, “cute” isn’t usually something that I care about. However, as a person who understands that looking a hot mess is not yet socially acceptable, I appreciate cuteness where I can get it. 🙂

Oiselle Powerstretch Running Gloves: Sensing a theme here? Oiselle has killer gear. If you haven’t checked them out… DO IT NOW! These gloves are my favorite gloves for running in the cold. They are warm with the Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro technology but not too warm causing my hands to sweat and become gross. Breathable is key with gloves for me. They’re touch screen compatible which is a HUGE plus for me. I’m always checking my phone on runs; be it to make sure I’m keeping a safe speed, or I’m checking to see if my kiddo needs me – I need to be able to touch my phone without freezing my fingers off. Also, again, like the tights… they’re cute!

November Project Buff: Pictured above in Blue and below in black. These gators/buffs are so awesome! They are simple, stretchy fabric, but they help with wind tremendously! I’ve been wearing one to walk from my parking garage to work everyday lately as the wind in Baltimore has been brutal! I also appreciate the versatility of the buffs. I’m able to cover my ears like ear muffs, while keeping my neck warm and safe from wind

Smartwool PhD® Run Ultra Light Micro Socks: Super soft, super warm, super comfortable. These socks, like the gloves I mentioned earlier, have a breathable material that keeps perspiration down. (I’m a sweater – so these products are my savior) No one appreciates the runner funk – and these socks are a way to avoid that when running in winter. Also, unless I’m injured (which happens frequently) I prefer (even in below freezing temperatures) to have socks that are at my ankle. I’ll wear compression socks that go to the knee, but only when necessary. The Smartwool socks were actually given to me as a Ragnar Ambassador and I fell in love with them instantly. I went out an bought three more pair.

Running vest: I have two that I wear frequently, one by Oiselle, and one my Lululemon. Both companies no longer sell them (sad face) so I have no link to share! I tend to carry things with me when I run, even when I plan not to. Having a vest like the Kara Goucher inspired vest below, is a win win. There are pockets on the sides, and a LARGE pocket in the back on my tush, to hold things. Also, hood much? LOVE IT! As I mentioned, I tend to sweat, so vests on top of my long sleeved shirts are perfect when I run to make sure I don’t overheat.

What are your cold weather gear go-tos?

How cold is it where you are right now? (it’s a balmy 11° in Baltimore!)

Best race experience:This year was full of excellent race experiences. If I had to choose, which as part of a “list” I do, I have to go with the Disney World Dopey Challenge . If you’re not familiar with the Dopey Challenge in Walt Disney World, it’s four races, increasing in distance, over the course of four days. Day one, we ran a 5k, day two 10k, day three a 1/2, and the fourth day we ran a full marathon. All of these races are through the Walt Disney World property. I was able to see the “backstage” areas of Epcot and Magic Kindgom – which as a normal person I would never have been able to see. Also, having my medal put around my neck after 48.6 total miles by Minnie Mouse was pretty sweet! 🙂

Best run:This year was full of difficult runs. One that stands out to me is the North Face Endurance Challenge 10k in Algonkian Regional Park. I ran this year on Sunday, after running Ragnar Trail Richmond the Friday and Saturday right before. I had ZERO goals except to finish the race. When I started out, my legs were warm and ready to go – so I started to run harder than I would normally on a trail. I ended up with a shiny trail PR for the 10k distance.

Best new piece of running gear:For this question, we have a tie. My Oiselle Verrazano Bra and my Reebok Floatride Run shoes. The Verrazano by Oiselle is the only bra I’ve run in where I felt like the *girls* weren’t going to escape. Also, this bra doesn’t make me feel like I’m being choked either – which is a HUGE win on long runs. My floatrides were given to me by Ragnar as part of an ambassador package. I was a bit skeptical as they were so light I didn’t think they would hold up for me. The first run I took in the floatrides felt amazing, so I figured I’d train for Marine Corps and see what happened. I ended up loving these shoes so much that I wore them for the Marine Corps Marathon. First time I’ve run a full with no blisters!

Best running advice you’ve received this year:Your pace, your race. So many times this year I was more worried about “keeping up” with the runners around me. This caused me to burn out early and not enjoy the race. When I ignored everyone else around me (pace wise) and stuck with what was comfortable to me, I had a blast!

Most inspirational runner:Again, we have a tie. First off, Shalane Flanagan. HUGE HERO! Watching her WIN the NYC Marathon made me cry. If you haven’t watched this finish, you need to. Especially around 2:14 😉 #effyes. Secondly, Bart Yasso who is retiring this year. Bart is an amazing human being who I had the chance to meet. He is inspiring and keep me on my feet!

Favorite picture from a run or race this year:While Marine Corps wasn’t my favorite race experience, I was thrilled with the pictures that I got. I love that you can see the majesty of DC behind me – and that I’m smiling!

Race experience you would repeat in a heartbeat:Marine Corps. Marine Corps Marathon is a race that I will try to do every year.

If you could sum up your year in a couple of words what would they be?Rough and character building.

It’s FRIDAY!!!! A super special Friday at that! 5 years ago today, I was sitting in a tiny little hospital in Weinheim, Germany and my water broke! Tomorrow I’ll have a 5 year old… *sigh* I feel old. what makes me feel young though, is knowing I can keep up with my little boy! 🙂

1. My son. He’s my constant motivator, always pushing me forward. He’ll watch me work out and when I start to slack off he says “You’re getting stronger!” or “You’re almost done!” I don’t know if he realizes what he’s doing, but it’s very effective. I know he’s watching, and at this point in his life, he’s like a sponge. He emulates. So, even when he watches quietly, or when he’s waiting at the finish line of one of my races, I know it’s important to finish strong.

2. My Father. In the past year, my father has become my race partner. He motivates me to be stronger, and to run faster. Running beside my Dad is one of the things I enjoy most about racing. Again, he probably doesn’t know he’s doing anything, just having him run with me is a HUGE motivator! Also, he consistently emails me about upcoming races and events, always keeping me on my toes ready to jump into any distance at any time.

3. Oiselle Volée. Running with this team of REMARKABLE women is amazing. I’m not fast, so when I see my teammates pulling in Sub 18 5ks, I can’t help but feel a need to push myself. Head up, wings out!

4. Emily. My I Run 4 buddy is always in the back of my mind when I’m running. Emily and I are coming up on our one year Match-aversary and since we got matched, shes been with me through every run! When things get difficult I think to myself, “I need to do this, this is for Emily.” I get the privilege of meeting Emily in a few weeks and I cannot wait!!

5. My BRF. I’ve made countless friends through running. I’ve even had the chance to meet some of them at races! Seeing my “best running friends” is another kick in the ass to keep going!